West Michigan Biz Beat: Openings, closings and other local business news, January 2019

Savasana Quilts (2211 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids) finally brought a store specifically for quilting enthusiasts to Grand Rapids. Whether you’re just beginning and want to take a class or are a seasoned expert wanting to work on a project around other quilters, Savasana is the place to visit. The store is full of modern fabrics, notions and tools.

Local kombucha company Sacred Springs (1059 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids) opened a tasting room with 12 taps pouring flavors like Razz Ninja (raspberry ginger) and Trop Hopics (pineapple and simcoe hops). The taproom also offers bagel sandwiches, live music and a variety of events, including meditation and kombucha workshops.

The Commons (547 Cherry St., Grand Rapids) opened in the ground floor of the Oakwood Manor Apartments with a ’70s lounge theme, from the spot-on throwback interior design to classic, affordable comfort food. The menu includes burgers, sandwiches, entrees and tons of appetizers, such as Prime Rib Dirty Tots and Street Corn Mac n Cheese. The Commons also features classic cocktails and a large wine and craft beer selection.

Third time’s the charm! Mannie’s Pizza (10 Jefferson Ave., Grand Rapids) has taken over the location that once held Good Pizza Company and Cult Pizza. This also makes for Mannie’s third location, adding to Otsego and Byron Center. The pizzeria is open late on weekends (3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays) and features slices, as well as “Mannie Crust,” a sort of combination of calzone and pizza.

Coffee shop and catering company Mudpenny (570 Grandville Ave., Grand Rapids) opened in the West Side, offering a large array of sandwiches, salads and breakfast foods, alongside coffee, espresso, lemonade and house sodas. The cafe also acts as an event venue, hosting up to 50 people.

CLOSED:

Georgina’s Fusion Cuisine (724 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids) closed last month, less than a year after opening in January, and shortly after winning Best New Restaurant in Revue’s Best of the West readers poll. Chef Anthony Craig cited the stress of running this location alongside the Traverse City location, and claims that the closure is unrelated to a lawsuit against him alleging sexual harassment. In its place, Damir Duratovic, the owner of Bosna Express, plans to open a new restaurant called Zivio, which will be a “modern European tavern.”

Gouleese (1635 Beidler St., Muskegon) is shuttering after being open for one year. The unique restaurant focused on various styles of goulash from around the world.

If you have any closings, openings or other business news for REVUE, e-mail josh@revuewm.com.